Metal ligand containing bleaching compositions

ABSTRACT

The invention provides a novel bleaching composition comprising: 
     (a) an oxidatively stable bleach activator having the structure ##STR1## wherein Y 1 , Y 3  and Y 4  each represents a bridging group, i.e., zero, one, two or three carbon containing nodes for substitution while Y 2  is a bridging group of at least one carbon containing node for substitution, each said node containing a C(R), C(R 1 )(R 2 ), or a C(R) 2  unit and each R substituent is the same or different from the remaining R substituent and is selected from the group consisting of H, alkyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, alkenyl, aryl, alkynyl, alkylaryl, halogen, alkoxy, or phenoxy, CH 2  CF 3 , CF 1  and combinations thereof, or form a substituted or unsubstituted benzene ring of which two carbon atoms in the ring form notes in the Y unit, or together with a paired R substituent bound to the same carbon atom form a cycloalkyl or cyloalkenyl ring, which may include an atom other than carbon, e.g., cyclopentyl or cyclohexyl; M is a transition metal with oxidation states of I, II, III, IV, V or VI, or selected IV from Groups VIA, VIIA, VIII, and IB; Q is any counterion which would balance the charge of the compound on a stoichiometric basis; L is any labile ligand; and, 
     (b) an effective amount of a source of peroxy compound.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

This work was supported by the National Science Foundation, grantCHE9319509, and the National Institute of Health, grant GM-44867. TheUnited States government may have certain rights in this invention.

This is a divisional application of copending application Ser. No.08/684,670 filed Jul. 22, 1996.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to the use of macrocyclic metal ligand complexesas bleaching catalysts, and more particularly, to transition metalcomplexes of macrocyclic tetraamide ligands as catalysts for enhancingoxidative bleaching reactions.

2. Brief Statement on Related Art

Hydrogen peroxide, and other peroxy compounds which yield hydrogenperoxide in aqueous solution, have long been known for use in fabric andsurface bleaching. However, peroxy compounds, such as sodium perborate(monohydrate or tetrahydrate, sodium percarbonate, and the like, haverelatively mild bleaching performance at low temperatures (e.g., below100° C./38.8° F.). Organic peroxyacids, such as perbenzoic acid, arestronger oxidants, but are often unstable unless stabilized by costlyand cumbersome methods. In addition, the premade peroxyacids are oftencost-ineffective to manufacture. Bleach activators, or peracidprecursors, such as esters, ketones, nitriles, or the like, are ofteneffective at enhancing the efficacy of peroxy compounds. However, thebleach activators must usually be present in stoichiometric or greaterquantities and can also be costly to manufacture.

Transition metal chelates, especially those using manganese and iron,are known as bleaching catalysts for peroxy compounds. These arerepresented by, for example, Favre et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,246,621,Bragg et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,002,682, Postlethwaite, U.S. Pat. No.4,119,557, and Ellis, Jr. et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,900,871. Thesetransition metal chelates can be used, for example, in launderingfabrics with an appropriate peroxy compound, for example, sodiumperborate monohydrate.

While these transition metal chelates have been proven to improve theoxidizing power of peroxy compounds, they sometimes can mediate dye and,even damage, to fabrics when used as bleaching activators.

Certain transition metal chelates have been researched for unrelatedpurposes.

For example, complexes of high oxidation state transition metals areknown to function as oxidants in numerous biological reactions under theinfluence of a protein matrix and in recent years a widespread interestin understanding the mechanism of action and the reactivity of certainmonooxygenase catalysts has developed.

An exemplary program is described in Collins, T. J., "Designing Ligandsfor Oxidizing Complexes," Accounts of Chemical Research, 279, Vol. 27,No. 9 (1994).

This article lays out a design oriented approach for obtaining ligandsthat are resistant to oxidative degradation when coordinated to highlyoxidizing metal centers. Several diamido-N-diphenoxido anddiamido-N-alkoxido acyclic chelate compounds and macrocyclictetraamido-N chelate compounds are described in the Collins Accounts ofChemical Research article.

An azide based synthetic route to macrocyclic tetraamido ligands isdescribed in Uffelman, E. S., Ph.D. Thesis, California Institute ofTechnology, (1992). Additionally, synthesis of an aryl bridgedtetraamido ligand via the azide based route can proceed by using anaromatic diamine as a starting material.

However, the art has not recognized that certain macrocyclic tetraamidoligands will provide novel and unusually effective bleach activators forperoxy compounds. Additionally, it has not been taught, disclosed orsuggested that these types of compounds will be unusually advantageousin the areas of dye transfer inhibition, anti-soil redeposition andstain removal.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention comprises a bleaching composition comprising:

(a) an oxidatively stable bleach activator having the structure ##STR2##wherein Y₁, Y₃ and Y₄ each represents a bridging group, i.e., zero, one,two or three carbon containing nodes for substitution, while Y₂ is abridging group of at least one carbon containing node for substitution,each said node containing a C(R), C(R₁) (R₂), or a C(R)₂ unit and each Rsubstituent is the same or different from the remaining R substituentsand is selected from the group consisting of H, alkyl, cycloalkyl,cycloalkenyl, alkenyl, aryl, alkynyl, alkylaryl, halogen, alkoxy, orphenoxy, CH₂ CF₃, CF₃ and combinations thereof, or form a substituted orunsubstituted benzene ring of which two carbon atoms in the ring formnodes in the Y unit, or together with a paired R substituent bound tothe same carbon atom form a cycloalkyl ring, which may include an atomother than carbon, e.g., cyclopentyl or a cyclohexyl ring; M is atransition metal with oxidation states of I, II, III, IV, V or VI, orselected from Groups 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 of the PeriodicTable; Q is any counterion which would balance the charge of thecompound on a stoichiometric basis; L is any labile ligand; and

(b) an effective amount of a source of peroxy compound.

Surfactants, fillers, builders, sequestrants, anti-oxidants, enzymes,fluorescent whitening agents, dyes, colorants, pigments, and otherstandard cleaning and/or laundering adjuncts may be added.

The preferred bleach activators are macrocyclic tetraamido compounds. Ofthese, those having a substituted aromatic substituent fused directlyinto the ligand's cyclic structure are especially preferred.

For example, a preferred compound has the structure: ##STR3## wherein Xand Z may be H, electron donating or electron-withdrawing groups and R'and R" may be any combination of H, alkyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl,alkenyl, aryl, alkynyl, alkylaryl, halogen, alkoxy, or phenoxysubstituents, or combine to form a cycloalkyl or cycloalkenyl ring,which may contain at least one atom that is not carbon; M is atransition metal with oxidation states of I, II, III, IV, V, or VI, orselected from Groups 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 of the PeriodicTable; Q is any counterion which would balance the charge of thecompound on a stoichiometric basis.

It is therefore an object of this invention to provide a macrocyclictetraamido compound as a peroxy bleach activator.

It is another object of this invention to provide a novel bleachactivator which has improved dye transfer inhibition.

It is still another object of this invention to provide a novel bleachactivator which has improved anti-soil redeposition properties.

It is yet another object of this invention to provide a novel bleachactivator which has unique stain removal performance.

It is further object of this invention to provide a novel bleachactivator which has sustained catalytic stability in a bufferedsolution.

It is still a further object of this invention to provide a novel bleachactivator which can be used in substoichiometric amounts relative to theperoxy compound.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a synthetic route for preparing the macrocyclictetraamido ligands of the invention via the azide route.

FIG. 2 depicts a synthetic route for preparing the macrocyclictetraamido ligands of the invention via the azide route using anaromatic diamine as a starting material.

FIG. 3 is a graph comparing the sustained catalyst stability ofpreferred embodiments of the invention versus control.

FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of the proposed path of oxidativeligand degradation of a catalyst system consisting of compound II andperoxides due to intramolecular reactions between a diethyl substituentand the oxo axial ligand.

FIG. 5 is an illustration of the manner in which conformationalconstraints prevent oxidative degradation of the oxo group.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The invention comprises a bleaching composition comprising:

(a) an oxidatively stable bleach activator having the structure ##STR4##wherein Y₁, Y₃ and Y₄ each represents a bridging group, i.e., zero, one,two or three carbon containing nodes for substitution, and Y₂ is abridging group of at least one carbon containing node for substitution,each said node containing a C(R), C(R₁)(R₂), or a C(R)₂ unit and each Rsubstituent is the same or different from the remaining R substituentsand is selected from the group consisting of H, alkyl, cycloalkyl,cycloalkenyl, alkenyl, aryl, alkynyl, alkylaryl, halogen, alkoxy, orphenoxy, CH₂ CF₃, CF₃ and combinations thereof, or form a substituted orunsubstituted benzene ring of which two carbon atoms in the ring formnodes in the Y unit, or together with a paired R substituent bound tothe same carbon atom form a cycloalkyl or cycloalkenyl ring, which mayinclude an atom other than carbon, e.g., cyclopentyl or a cyclohexylring; is a transition metal with oxidation states of I, II, III, IV, V,or VI, or selected from Groups 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 of thePeriodic Table; Q is any counterion which would balance the charge ofthe compound on a stoichiometric basis; L is any labile ligand; and

(b) an effective amount of a source of peroxy compound.

Of these, the preferred inventive macrocyclic tetraamido ligands haveproven to be surprisingly effective in a diverse group of performancecharacteristics for bleach activators.

These ligands are prepared in accordance with the procedures set forthin the concurrently filed and co-pending patent applications ofGordon-Wylie et al., entitled SYNTHESIS OF MACROCYCLIC TETRAAMIDO-NLIGANDS, Ser. No. 08/681,187 filed Jul. 22, 1996 and of Collins et al.,entitled LONG-LIVED HOMEGENOUS OXIDATION CATALYSTS, Ser. No. U.S. Pat.No. 5,847,120, both of which are incorporated herein by reference.

1 . The Macrocyclic Tetraamido Ligands

The inventive compounds have the structure: ##STR5## wherein Y₁, Y₃ andY₄ each represents a bridging group, i.e., zero, one, two or threecarbon containing nodes for substitution, while Y₂ is a bridging groupof at least one carbon containing node for substitution, each said nodecontaining a C(R), C(R₁)(R₂), or a C(R)₂ unit and each R substituent isthe same or different from the remaining R substituents and is selectedfrom the group consisting of H, alkyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl,alkenyl, aryl, alkynyl, alkylaryl, halogen, alkoxy, or phenoxy, CH₂ CF₃,CF₃, and combinations thereof, or form a substituted or unsubstitutedbenzene ring of which two carbon atoms in the ring form nodes in the Yunit, or together with a paired R substituent bound to the same carbonatom form a cycloalkyl or cycloalkenyl ring, which may include an atomother than carbon; M is a transition metal with oxidation states of I,II, III, IV, V, or VI, or selected from Groups 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10,11 and 12 of the Periodic Table; Q is any counterion which would balancethe charge of the compound on a stoichiometric basis; L is any labileligand.

An especially preferred embodiment of these inventive compounds isrepresented by the structure of the macrocyclic tetraamido compounds:##STR6## wherein X and Z may be H, electron donating orelectron-withdrawing groups and R' and R" may be any combination of H,alkyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, alkenyl, aryl, alkynyl, alkylaryl,halogen, alkoxy, or phenoxy substituents, or combine to form acycloalkyl or cycloalkenyl ring, which may contain at least one atomthat is not carbon; M is a transition metal with oxidation states of I,II, III, IV, V, or VI, or selected from Groups 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10,11 and 12 of the Periodic Table; Q is any counterion which would balancethe charge of the compound on a stoichiometric basis.

The X and Z groups can be H. or either electron donors or electronwithdrawing groups. Electron withdrawing groups include halogens, suchas Br, I and most preferably, Cl. Further, SO₃ ⁻¹, OSO₃ ⁻, OSO₃ R (Rbeing defined, without limitation, as H. alkyl, aryl, alkylaryl) and NO₂⁻ are appropriate groups. Electron donor groups include alkoxy (withoutlimitation, methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy and butoxy), alkyl (withoutlimitation, methyl, ethyl, propyl, n-butyl and t-butyl) and hydrogen.These groups change the electron density of the metal ligand complex andimpact its reactivity.

R' and R" appear to have an impact on the sustained catalytic stabilityof the inventive macrocyclic tetraamido ligands. Although each can beindividually chosen from H, alkyl, alkenyl, aryl, alkynyl, halogen,alkoxy, or phenoxy substituents, short chain alkyl appears preferred.Especially preferred is when R' and R" are the same and are selectedfrom ethyl and methyl, or when R' and R" combine to form a cycloalkyl orcycloalkenyl ring, especially cyclopentyl or cyclohexyl. The cycloalkylring may include at least one other atom other than carbon, such as,without limitation, N, O, or S. The compounds of the present inventionform robust, long-lived oxidation catalysts and precatalysts. For thesake of convenience, and without limiting the scope of the invention,"catalyst" will be used herein to include precatalysts and actualcatalyst complexes, where the latter is the species that carries out theoxidation. In many cases, the precise catalytic mechanism is not knownand thus the precise role in any given oxidation reaction of the chelatesystem of the present invention may not be known. As used herein, robustoxidation catalyst means that when the catalyst is added to a solvent inthe presence of an oxidant, such as a peroxide, the half-life of theactivated form of the metal complex is 30 seconds or more. The half-lifeis the time in which half of the metal complex decomposes or degrades.

Surprisingly, the design of one of the most preferred embodiments of thenew robust compounds differs from the prior art compounds by only oneconstituent. By changing the R', R" diethyl substituents of the priorart tetraamido compounds to dimethyl substituents, the previouslyfragile, short-lived chelate complexes are transformed unexpectedly intostable, long-lived complexes which are very resistant to oxidativedegradation. What appeared to be a minor change in the structure is infact the key to a new class of robust long-lived oxidation catalysts.The C--H bond strength of the methyl substituent is about 3 Kcal.mol ⁻¹greater than the C--H bond strength of the corresponding ethylsubstituent. It has been determined that any R', R" substituents whichare unreactive, or which form strong bonds with the cyclic carbon, orare sterically or conformational hindered, such that they are restrictedfrom intramolecular reaction with the axial oxo ligand will also formthe robust catalysts or precatalysts of the invention.

The importance of the bond strength and/or conformational constraintscan be seen from the following determinations.

In order to support oxidation catalysis, every component of the ligandsystem must be substantially resistant to oxidative degradation. The keyto the stability of the R' and R" groups has been determined byobservation in a particularly informative case. As shown in FIG. 4, iron(III) aqua complexes react with hydroperoxides to give a purported oxocomplex which it has been shown exhibit catalytic properties for theoxidation of nitrites containing C--H bounds a to the cyano group.However, as catalysis proceeds the ligand system slowly decomposes andit is proposed that this degradation proceeds via abstraction of anH-atom from a methylene group of an ethyl substituent in the R' and R"position as is consistent with the structure of the hydantoin-ringcontaining degradation product, labeled III (FIG. 4). Molecular modelsreveal that a highly strained conformation of the Y-containing chelatering is required to bring the strained confirmation of the Y-containingchelate ring is required to bring the abstractable H-atom close to theabstracting O-atom. Compound III has been unambiguously characterized bya variety of mass spectrometric, ¹ H and ¹³ C NMR, IR, elementalanalyses. Simultaneously with the observed degradation, the systemcatalytically oxidizes the weakest C--H bond in a series of nitrites[(CH₃)₂ CHCN, CH₃ CH₂ CN, CH₃ CN, CD₃ CN] which are employed assolvents. The products are mixtures of nitrile oxidation products. Thus,where t-butyl hydroperoxide is the primary oxidant, the product mixturewith (CH₃)₂ CHCN as the substrate contains (CH₃)₂ C(OH)CN, (CH₃)₂(CN)COOC(CH₃)₃, (CH₃)₂ (CN)COOCH₃, (CH₃)₂ C═O, (CH₃)₃ COH. It has alsobeen shown that while this product mixture suggests a free radicalautoxidation process where the role of the iron complex, II (FIG. 4),would be to initiate the process, free radical autoxidation cannot bethe dominant mechanism. Thus, when the oxidation is carried out under ¹⁸O₂ (1 atm, >98%) the yield of ¹⁸ O₂ labelled products is too low for thereaction mechanism to be consistent with a completely free radicalautoxidation process. By replacement of CH₃ -- for CH₃ CH₂ -- in the R'and R" position, the ligand degradation is dramatically suppressed suchthat nitrile oxidation alone dominates the oxidative reactivity. Thisinhibition of ligand degradation by the CH₃ -- for CH₃ CH₂ -- can berationalized as resulting from the increased C--H bond strength of CH₃-- versus CH₃ CH₂ --, ca.³ kcal/mol⁻¹, thereby slowing the rate of theH-atom abstraction by the oxo ligand by ca. three orders of magnitude.Since it is apparent that the abstraction is critical to thedegradation, the orientation of the abstractable H-atom with respect tothe oxo ligand is also critical as this orientation determines thedistance of approach and abstraction reactions are exquisitely distancedependent. Molecular models reveal that if a cyclopentyl unit isemployed to replace the ethyl groups of R' and R", the methylenic C--Hgroup equivalent to that abstracted from the ethyl C--H group cannotreach the oxo ligand without considerably more ring-strain than thatfound in the ethyl case. Thus, the conformational constraint approachserves to dramatically increase the resistance of a so-substitutedchelate to oxidative degradation.

In the structure shown in FIG. 5, the oxo group and methylenic H arerestricted from as close an approach as in the ethyl case because themethylene group of the cyclopentyl substituent cannot rotate freely tobring the two groups into as close a juxtaposition.

The compounds of the present invention are macrocyclic, comprised offour anionic donor ligands which result in concert to form asubstantially planar tetradentate platform which can be complexed with ametal and axial ligand to form the chelate/catalyst system of thepresent invention. The preferred design for producing robust ligands isa macrocyclic tetraamido ligand having no hydrogens α to N-amido donorgroups. When coordinated with the metal ion, five- and six-memberedchelate rings are most stable. The substituents can vary considerablyprovided they meet the requirements described above. This isparticularly critical for the R' and R" substituents

The tetradentate macrocyclic compound of the present invention isdesigned to be complexed with a metal, preferably a transition metal.The metal M is a transition metal with oxidation states of I, II, III,IV, V, or VI; or selected from Groups 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12of the Periodic Table. It is preferably selected from the groupconsisting of Fe, Mn, Cr, Cu, Co, Ni, Mo, Zn, and W. Mixtures thereofmay be possible.

Q is any counterion which would balance the charge of the compound(generally, negative; preferably -1) on astoichiometric basis. Thus, thegenerally positively charged counterion is preferably chosen, but notlimited to: alkali metal counterions (e.g., K, Li, Na), NR*₄ and PR*₄,wherein each R* is individually selected from H, alkyl, aryl, alkylaryl,alkenyl, or can fuse together to form a cycloalkyl or cycloalkenyl oraryl ring which may contain at least one atom other than carbon.

L is any labile ligand which can attach to M. These include, preferably,but without limitation, H₂ O, Cl, and C.tbd.N.

Because of the complex nature of these compounds, within thespecification, they are not named, but for convenience are referred toby the substituents present in them. The structure represented above,for example, can be titled5,6:(4,5-Di-X-Benzo)-3,8,11,13-tetraoxo-2,2,9,9-tetramethyl-12,12-diethyl-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclotridecane (or Tetramethyl diethyl di-X-benzene (TMDE-DXB, whereX=Cl, H, Me, OMe)). Thus, for convenience, in the above structure, wherethere are two methyl groups each on the amine members of the ligand, andthere are two ethyl groups acting as R' and R", the compound is referredto as TMDE. When the groups X and Z are both chloro, the compound isreferred to as DCB. The preferred transition metal of the ligand isiron, so the compound can be referred to as FeDCB.

As the inventive macrocyclic tetraamido ligands are true catalysts, theamount thereof added to the bleaching compositions is generallysubstoichiometric. However, it is preferred, without limitation, to addabout 0.0001-about 999,999 parts per million (ppm), more preferably0.001-100,000 ppm, to the compositions of the invention.

In the Experimental Section below, selected syntheses of the preferredmacrocyclic tetraamido compounds are depicted. Additionally, tests wereconducted to demonstrate the dye transfer inhibition properties, thesustained catalytic activity and the stain removal performance of theseinventive macrocyclic ligands.

2. Peroxy Compounds

The peroxy compound can be an organic or inorganic compound containingthe --O--O-peroxide linkage. Exemplary compounds include hydrogenperoxide, hydrogen peroxide adducts, compounds capable of producinghydrogen peroxide in aqueous solution, organic peroxides, persulfates,perphosphates, and persilicates. Hydrogen peroxide adducts includealkali metal (e.g., sodium, lithium, potassium) carbonate peroxyhydrateand urea peroxide. Compounds capable of producing hydrogen peroxide inaqueous solution include alkali metal (sodium, potassium, lithium)perborate (mono- and tetrahydrate). The perborates are commerciallyavailable from such sources as Akzo N.V., and FMC Corporation.Alternatively, an alcohol oxidase enzyme and its appropriate alcoholsubstrate can be used as a hydrogen peroxide source. Organic peroxidesinclude, without limitation, benzoyl and cumene hydroperoxides.Persulfates include potassium peroxymonosulfate (sold as Oxone®, E.I. duPont de Nemours) and Caro's acid.

An effective amount of peroxy compound is an amount sufficient togenerate at least 0.001 ppm active oxygen (A.O.). While not limitedthereto, it is preferred to produce from about 0.001 to about 1,000 ppmA.O. For fabric bleaching, from about 0.01 to about 50 ppm A.O. ispreferred. A description of, and explanation of, A.O. measurement isfound in the article of Sheldon N. Lewis, "Peracid and PeroxideOxidations", In: Oxidation, 1969, pp. 213-258, which is incorporatedherein by reference.

3. Cleaning and/or Laundering Adjuncts

The inventive macrocyclic tetraamido ligands can be combined with anoxidant bleach or detergent base, said base comprising: builders; andoptionally, a surfactant selected from the group consisting of anionic,nonionic, cationic, amphoteric, zwitterionic surfactants, and mixturesthereof. Other adjunct materials may be present. These compounds canalso be presented in a liquid base, for a hard surface, stain remover,or other surface cleaning/bleaching execution. These compounds may alsobe useful for pulp and textile bleaching processing. Each of thesecompounds, and adjunct materials suitable for use herein are furtherdiscussed below:

a. Builders

The builders are typically alkaline builders, i.e., those which inaqueous solution will attain a pH of 7-14, preferably 9-12. Examples ofinorganic builders include the alkali metal and ammonium carbonates(including sesquicarbonates and bicarbonates), phosphates (includingorthophosphates, tripolyphosphates and tetrapyrophosphates),aluminosilicates (both natural and synthetic zeolites), and mixturesthereof. Carbonates are especially desirable for use in this inventionbecause of their high alkalinity and effectiveness in removing hardnessions which may be present in hard water, as well as their low cost.Carbonates can be used as the predominant builder. Silicates (Na₂O:SiO₂, modulus of 4:1 to 1:1, most preferably about 3:1 to 1:1) canalso be used. Silicates, because of their solubility in water andability to form a glassy matrix, can also be advantageously used as abinder for the detergent.

Organic builders are also suitable for use, and are selected from thegroup consisting of the alkali metal and ammonium sulfosuccinates,polyacrylates, polymaleates, copolymers of acrylic acid and maleic acidor maleic anhydride, citrates and mixtures thereof.

b. Fillers/Diluents

Fillers for the bleach composition or detergent are used to ensure thecorrect amount or dose of washing or cleaning actives is delivered perwash or cleaning usage. Salts such as NaCl, Na₂ SO₄, and borax, arepreferred. Organic diluents, such as sugar, are possible. If in a liquidexecution, solvents (such as, without limitation, alkanols, gycols,glycol ethers, hydrocarbons, ketones, and carboxylic acids), liquidsurfactants and water could be used as diluents.

c. Surfactants

Surfactants will generally be added to bleach or detergent formulationsfor removal of particular targeted soils, e.g., nonionic surfactants onoily soils, and anionic surfactants on particulate soils. However,generally speaking, oxidant bleach compositions may contain little oreven no surfactant.

Particularly effective surfactants appear to be anionic surfactants.Examples of such anionic surfactants may include the ammonium,substituted ammonium (e.g., mono-, di-, and tri-ethanolammonium), alkalimetal and alkaline earth metal salts of C₆ -C₂₀ fatty acids and rosinacids, linear and branched alkyl benzene sulfonates, alkyl sulfates,alkyl ether sulfates, alkane sulfonates, olefin sulfonates,hydroxyalkane sulfonates, fatty acid monoglyceride sulfates, alkylglyceryl ether sulfates, acyl sarcosinates and acyl N-methyltaurides.Preferred are alkylaryl sulfonated surfactants, such as alkylbenzenesulfonates.

Other preferred surfactants of use include linear ethoxylated alcohols,such as those sold by Shell Chemical Company under the brand nameNeodol. Other suitable nonionic surfactants can include other linearethoxylated alcohols with an average length of 6 to 16 carbon atoms andaveraging about 2 to 20 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of alcohol;linear and branched, primary and secondary ethoxylated, propoxylatedalcohols with an average length of about 6 to 16 carbon atoms andaveraging 0-10 moles of ethylene oxide and about 1 to 10 moles ofpropylene oxide per mole of alcohol; linear and branched alkylphenoxy(polyethoxy) alcohols, otherwise known as ethoxylated alkylphenols, withan average chain length of 8 to 16 carbon atoms and averaging 1.5 to 30moles of ethylene oxide per mole of alcohol; and mixtures thereof.

Further suitable nonionic surfactants may include polyoxyethylenecarboxylic acid esters, fatty acid glycerol esters, fatty acid andethoxylated fatty acid alkanolamides, certain block copolymers ofpropylene oxide and ethylene oxide, and block polymers of propyleneoxide and ethylene oxide with propoxylated ethylene diamine. Alsoincluded are such semi-polar nonionic surfactants like amine oxides,phosphine oxides, sulfoxides, and their ethoxylated derivatives.

Suitable cationic surfactants may include the quaternary ammoniumcompounds in which typically one of the groups linked to the nitrogenatom is a C₁₂ -C₁₈ alkyl group and the other three groups are shortchained alkyl groups which may bear substituents such as phenyl groups.

Further, suitable amphoteric and zwitterionic surfactants which containan anionic water-solubilizing group, a cationic group and a hydrophobicorganic group may include amino carboxylic acids and their salts, aminodicarboxylic acids and their salts, alkylbetaines, alkylaminopropylbetaines, sulfobetaines, alkyl imidazolinium derivatives,certain quaternary ammonium compounds, certain quaternary phosphoniumcompounds and certain tertiary sulfonium compounds. Other examples ofpotentially suitable zwitterionic surfactants can be found described inJones, U.S. Pat. No. 4,005,029, at columns 11-15, which are incorporatedherein by reference.

Further examples of anionic, nonionic, cationic and amphotericsurfactants which may be suitable for use in this invention are depictedin Kirk-Othmer, Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology, Third Edition,Volume 22, pages 347-387, and McCutcheon's Detergents and Emulsifiers,North American Edition, 1983, which are incorporated herein byreference.

As mentioned hereinabove, other common detergent adjuncts may be addedif a bleach or detergent bleach product is desired. If, for example, adetergent composition is desired, the following ranges (weight %) appearpracticable:

    ______________________________________                                          0.5-50.0%     Hydrogen Peroxide Source                                      0.0001-10.000 ppm                                                                             Activator                                                       1.0-50.0%     Surfactant                                                      1.0-50.0%     Builder                                                         5.0-99.9%     Filler, stabilizers, dyes, fragrances,                                        brighteners, etc.                                             ______________________________________                                    

d. Chelating Agents

In some of the compositions herein, it is especially preferred toinclude a chelating agent, most preferably, an aminopolyphosphonate.These chelating agents assist in maintaining the solution stability ofthe oxidant in order to achieve optimum performance. In this manner,they are acting to chelate free heavy metal ions. The chelating agent isselected from a number of known agents which are effective at chelatingfree heavy metal ions. The chelating agent should be resistant tohydrolysis and rapid oxidation by oxidants. Preferably, it should havean acid dissociation constant (pKa) of about 1-9, indicating that itdissociates at low pH's to enhance binding to metal cations. The mostpreferred chelating agent is an aminopolyphosphonate which iscommercially available under the trademark Dequest, from MonsantoCompany. Examples thereof are Dequest 2000, 2041, 2060 and 2066. (Seealso Bossu, U.S. Pat. No. 4,473,507, column 12, line 63 through column13, line 22, incorporated herein by reference). A polyphosphonate, suchas Dequest 2010, is also suitable for use. Other chelating agents, suchas ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and nitrilotriacetic acid(NTA) may also be suitable for use. Still other new, preferred chelatingagents are new propylenediaminetetraacetates, such as Hampshire 1,3PDTA, from W.R. Grace, and Chel DTPA 100#F, from Ciba-Geigy A.G.Mixtures of the foregoing may be suitable. Effective amounts of thechelating agent range from 1-1,000, more preferably 5-500, mostpreferably 10-100 ppm chelating agent in the wash liquor.

e. Other Adjuncts:

The standard detergent or oxidant bleach adjuncts can be included in thepresent invention.

These include enzymes are especially desirable adjunct materials inthese detergent or oxidant bleach products. However, it may be preferredto include an enzyme stabilizer.

Proteases are one especially preferred class of enzymes. They areselected from acidic, neutral and alkaline proteases. The terms"acidic," "neutral," and "alkaline," refer to the pH at which theenzymes' activity are optimal. Examples of neutral proteases includeMilezyme (available from Miles Laboratory) and trypsin, a naturallyoccurring protease. Alkaline proteases are available from a wide varietyof sources, and are typically produced from various microorganisms(e.g., Bacillis subtilisis). Typical examples of alkaline proteasesinclude Maxatase and Maxacal from International BioSynthetics, Alcalase,Savinase and Esperase, all available from Novo Industri A/S. See alsoStanislowski et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,511,490, incorporated herein byreference.

Further suitable enzymes are amylases, which arecarbohydrate-hydrolyzing enzymes. It is also preferred to includemixtures of amylases and proteases. Suitable amylases include Rapidase,from Societe Rapidase, Milezyme from Miles Laboratory, and Maxamyl fromInternational BioSynthetics.

Still other suitable enzymes are cellulases, such as those described inTai, U.S. Pat. No. 4,479,881, Murata et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,443,355,Barbesgaard et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,435,307, and Ohya et al., U.S. Pat.No. 3,983,082, incorporated herein by reference.

Yet other suitable enzymes are lipases, such as those described inSilver, U.S. Pat. No. 3,950,277, and Thom et al., U.S. Pat. No.4,707,291, incorporated herein by reference.

Still further enzymes of interest herein are peroxidases, such ashorseradish peroxidase, and those disclosed in WO 93/24628, incorporatedherein by reference.

The enzyme may be present in an amount of about 0-5%, more preferablyabout 0.01-3%, and most preferably about 0.1-2% by weight of thedetergent/bleach/cleaner base. Mixtures of any of the foregoinghydrolases are desirable, especially protease/amylase blends.

Additionally, optional adjuncts include dyes, such as Monastral blue andanthraquinone dyes (such as those described in Zielske, U.S. Pat. No.4,661,293, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,746,461).

Pigments, which are also suitable colorants, can be selected, withoutlimitation, from titanium dioxide, ultramarine blue (see also, Chang etal., U.S. Pat. No. 4,708,816), and colored aluminosilicates.

Fluorescent whitening agents are still other desirable adjuncts. Theseinclude the stilbene, styrene, and naphthalene derivatives, which uponbeing impinged by ultraviolet light, emit or fluoresce light in thevisible wavelength. These FWA's or brighteners are useful for improvingthe appearance of fabrics which have become dingy through repeatedsoilings and washings. Preferred FWA's are Tinopal 5BMX-C and TinopalRBS, both from Ciba Geigy A.G., and Phorwite RKH, from Mobay Chemicals.Examples of suitable FWA's can be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,298,577,2,076,011, 2,026,054, 2,026,566, 1,393,042; and U.S. Pat. Nos.3,951,960, 4,298,290, 3,993,659, 3,980,713 and 3,627,758, incorporatedherein by reference.

Anti-redeposition agents, such as carboxymethylcellulose, arepotentially desirable. Next, foam boosters, such as appropriate anionicsurfactants, may be appropriate for inclusion herein. Also, in the caseof excess foaming resulting from the use of certain surfactants,anti-foaming agents, such as alkylated polysiloxanes, e.g.,dimethylpolysiloxane, would be desirable. Fragrances are also desirableadjuncts in these compositions.

Additional organic bleach activators can be added, including, but notlimited to, esters (see Fong et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,778,618 and Rowlandet al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,182,045), ketones, imides (See Kaaret, U.S. Pat.No. 5,478,569) and nitriles.

The additives may be present in amounts ranging from 0-50%, morepreferably 0-30%, and most preferably 0-10%. In certain cases, some ofthe individual adjuncts may overlap in other categories. However, thepresent invention contemplates each of the adjuncts as providingdiscrete performance benefits in their various categories.

EXPERIMENTAL SECTION

Syntheses of Oxidatively Robust Tetraamido Ligands.

Materials. All solvents and reagents were reagent grade (Aldrich,Aldrich Sure-Seal, Fisher) and were used as received. Microanalyses wereperformed by Midwest Microlabs, Indianapolis, Ind.

Mass Spectrometry. Electrospray ionization mass spectra were acquired ona Finnigan-MAT SSQ700 (San Jose, Calif.) mass spectrometer fitted withan Analytica of Branford electrospray interface. Electrospray voltagesof 2400-3400 V were utilized. Samples were dissolved in eitheracetonitrile or dichloromethane at concentrations of approximately 10pmol/l and were introduced into the ESI interface prior to dataacquisition by direct infusion at a flow rate of 1 l/min and wereintroduced prior to data acquisition. Positive ion electron impactionization (70 ev) MS experiments were performed on a Finnigan-MAT 4615quadrupole mass spectrometer in conjunction with an INCOS data system.The ion source temperature was 150C and the manifold chamber temperaturewas 100C. Sample introduction was by means of a gas chromatograph or adirect insertion probe. Positive ion fast atom bombardment mass spectrawere acquired on a Finnigan-MAT 212 magnetic sector instrument incombination with an INCOS data system. The accelerating voltage was 3 kVand the ion source temperature was approximately 70C. An Ion Tech saddlefield fast atom gun was employed with xenon at 8 keV. Thioglycerol wasutilized as the FAB matrix. Positive ion electron impact ionization (70eV) MS/MS experiments were performed on a Finnigan-MAT TSQ/700 tandemquadrupole mass spectrometer. Sample introduction was by means of adirect insertion probe. The ion source was maintained at 150C and themanifold chamber was held at 70C. Collision-induced dissociation (CID)was achieved by introducing argon into the center rf-only collisionoctapole until the pressure in the manifold reached 0.9-2.5×10⁻⁶ Torr.The nominal ion kinetic energy for CID product ions was <35 eV(laboratory reference). High resolution data were obtained on a JEOL JMSAX-505H double focusing mass spectrometer in the EB configuration usinga resolution of 7500. Sample introduction was by means of a gaschromatograph or direct insertion probe. During mass spectralacquisition, perfluorokerosene was introduced into the ion source bymeans of a heated inlet. Exact mass assignments were obtained bycomputer-assisted interpolation from the masses of perfluorokerosene.GC/MS conditions: column, 20 m×0.25 mm DB-1701 (J & W Scientific);carrier gas, helium with a linear velocity of 40 cm/sec; injector, 125C;column temperature, 35 C for 3 min, followed by an increase at 10C/min.to 100C; injection, split mode, appx. 50:1 ratio.

Spectroscopic Methods. 300 MHz¹ H NMR spectra and 75 MHz¹⁰ C. NMRspectra were obtained on an IBM AF300 instrument using an OxfordSuperconducting magnet system, data acquisition was controlled by Brukersoftware. Infrared spectra were obtained on a Mattson Galaxy Series 5000FTIR spectrometer controlled by a Macintosh II computer. UV/vis spectrawere obtained on a Hewlett Packard 8452A spectrophotometer driven by aZenith Z-425/SX computer. Conventional X-Band EPR spectra were recordedon a Bruker ER300 spectrometer equipped with an Oxford ESR-900 heliumflow cryostat. Mossbauer spectra were obtained on constant accelerationinstruments and isomeric shifts are reported relative to an iron metalstandard at 298 K. In order to avoid orientation of polycrystallinesamples by the applied magnetic field, the samples were suspended infrozen nujol.

Syntheses of Macrocyclic Tetraamido-N Donors Ligands General ReactionScheme

Depicted below is the preferred reaction sequence for synthesizing theinventive macrocyclic tetraamido ligands: ##STR7##

An α-amino carboxylic acid is mixed with an activated malonate inpyridine at temperatures less than 70° C. After the selective doublecoupling reaction is complete, 72-144 hrs, the MACRO LINKER (A-L-A) isisolated. In a second step a diamine, preferably an o-phenylene diamineis added to a pyridine solution of the MACRO LINKER in the presence of acoupling agent, preferably PCl₃ or pivaloyl chloride. The ring closure(a double coupling) reaction is allowed to proceed at reflux for 48-110hrs, and then the desired macrocyclic tetraamide is isolated in goodyield.

In the following Examples 1-25, various portions of the reaction stepsare portrayed. Examples 26-32 demonstrate performance attributes andadvantages of the invention.

EXAMPLE 1 Macro Linker Intermediate (A-L-A) synthesis, from a-methylalanine and diethyl malonyl dichloride (a Tetramethyl Diethylsubstituted intermediate).

A two-neck flask (1 L) fitted with a pressure equalizing addition funnel(250 mL) and a septum is placed under N₂ α-amino isobutyric acid (i.e.α-methyl alanine) (20.62 g, 0.2 mol) and dry pyridine (250 mL, driedover 4 Å mol sieves) are added to the flask and heated 60-70C withstirring, then diethyl malonyl dichloride (23.23 mL, 0.135 mol)dissolved in dry pyridine (100 mL, dryed over 4 Å mol sieves) is addedto the addition funnel. The contents of the addition funnel are added(dropwise, 1 h) to the reaction and the acylation allowed to proceed(60-70C, 30-36 h) under N₂ or with a drying tube fitted. Once theacylation is complete the reaction is quenched by adding H₂ O (30 mL)and stirring (60-70C, 24 hrs). The solvent volume is reduced on therotary evaporator to give an oil, then HCl (conc., ca. 25 mL) is addedto a final pH of 2-3. The hot solution is set in the refrigerator (4°C., 15 h), and the resulting tan product collected by frit filtration,and washed thoroughly with acetonitrile (2×100 mL). The air-dried whiteproduct (16.5-19.8 g, 50-60% yield) should be stored in a dessicator.This product is usually pure enough for ring closure reactions, butrecrystallization may occasionally be required. Characterization: ¹ HNMR spectrum (d² -pyridine) [ppm]: 8.9 (s, 2H, NH amide); 2.2 (q, 4H)1.8 (s, 12H); 1.2 (t, 6H). IR(Nujol mull): [cm¹ ]=3310 (amide NH); 1721(carboxylic CO), 1623 (amide CO). Anal. Calcd for C₁₉ H₂₁ N₂ O₆ ;C,54.53; H, 7.93; N, 8.48. Found: C, 54.48; H, 7.88; N, 8.47.

EXAMPLE 2

Large Scale, Macro Linker Intermediate (A-L-A) synthesis, from a-methylalanine and diethyl malonyl dichloride (a TMDE substitutedintermediate).

A two-neck flask (2 L, RB+Claisen) fitted with a pressure equalizingaddition funnel (250 mL) and septa, is placed under N₂ α-aminoisobutyricacid (i.e. α-methyl alanine) (90.3 g, 0.9 mol) is added, anhydrouspyridine (1.4 L, sure seal) is cannulated into the flask and thereaction mix heated to 45-55C and stirred. Pyridine (100 mL, sure seal)and then diethyl malonyl dichloride (104.4 mL, 0.61 mol) are cannulatedinto the addition funnel. The contents of the addition funnel are added(dropwise, 3-4 h) to the reaction, the addition funnel is then removed,and the acylation allowed to proceed (55-65° C., 120-130 h) under N₂.Once the acylation is complete the reaction is quenched by adding H₂ O(100 mL) and stirring (60-70° C., 24-36 hrs). The solvent volume isreduced on the rotary evaporator to give an oil, then HCl (conc., ca.110 mL) is added to a final pH of 2-3. The hot solution is set in therefrigerator (4° C., 15 h), and the resulting tan product collected byfrit filtration, and washed thoroughly with acetonitrile (700 mL, 150mL) by stirring in an erlenmeyer flask. The air-dried white product(87.9 g, 60% yield), is crushed in a mortar and pestle and stored in adessicator. The large scale reaction amide intermediate product is morelikely to need recrystallization before use in ring closure reactions.

EXAMPLE 3 Recrystallization of the TMDE substituted intermediate fromabove

Crude TMDE intermediate from Example 2 (50.4 g., 0.153 mol) is dissolvedin H₂ O (500 mL, deionized) by adding Na₂ CO₃ (16.2 g, 0.153 mol) inthree aliquots slowly and carefully to avoid excessive frothing, withgood stirring and mild heating. The solution is brought to a boil,filtered and acidified with HCl (conc., 30 mL, 0.36 mol). The solutionis allowed to cool (overnight, 4° C.) and the white precipitate filteredoff and washed with acetonitrile (250 mL). The air dryed product(38.8-45.4 g, recryst. yield 77-90%) should be stored in a dessicator.

EXAMPLE 4 Hexa Methyl (HM) Intermediate (A-L-A)

The synthesis of the HM intermediate is identical to that for the TMDEintermediate in Example 2 with the following exceptions, dimethylmalonyl dichloride (17.8 mL, 0.135 mol) is substituted for diethylmalonyl dichloride, and the reaction temperature must be decreased to55-65° C. due to the lower boiling point of the acylating agent. Theyield of hexamethyl intermediate is 45-60%. Characterization: ¹ H NMR(d⁵ pyridine, [ppm]); 9.2-9.8 br s, 2 H (carboxylic OH), 8.23 s, 2 H(amide),1.87 s 12 H (CH₃), 1.74 s 6 H (CH₃). IR (nujol/NaCl) [cm⁻¹ ];3317.0 (amide NH); 1717.9 (carboxylic CO); 1625.7 (amide CO). Anal.(dried at 100° C.) Calcd. for C₁₃ H₂₂ N₂ O₆ ; C₅₁.63, H 7.34, N 9.27.Found; C₅₁.64, H 7.35, N 9.33.

EXAMPLE 5 Recrystallization of HM Intermediate

Crude hexamethyl (HM) intermediate was recrystallized in the same manneras the TMDE amide intermediate. Due to the slightly higher watersolubility of the HM amide intermediate a little less H₂ O should beemployed.

EXAMPLE 6 Di CyHex Di Ethyl Intermediate

A round bottom flask (500 mL), is charged with l-amino-l-cyclohexanecarboxylic acid (15 g, 0.1 mol), then fitted with a pressure equalizingaddition funnel (40 mL), capped with a septum, and purged with nitrogen.Anhydrous pyridine (300 mL) is cannulated into the reaction flaskthrough the addition funnel, and 20 mL into the addition funnel. Startheating the system and stabilize the temperature at 60° C. Once 60° C.is reached, one-third of the total diethyl malonyl dichloride to beutilized in the reaction (i.e. 6 mL, 0.033 mol) is added via syringe tothe addition flask. The mixture of pyridine/diethyl malonyl dichlorideis added dropwise to the reaction and the acylation allowed to proceedfor 12 hours. A second (6 mL, 0.033 mol) and third aliquot (6 mL, 0.033mol) are added at 12 hour intervals. After all of the acylating agenthas been added and allowed to react (total reaction time 48-56 h), 20 mLof water is added dropwise to the reaction. The reaction is heated foran additional 24 hours to ring open the mono and bis oxazaloneintermediates and yield the diamide dicarboxylic acid. Removal of thepyridine by rotary evaporation yields a pale yellowish tan sludge whichis acidified to pH 2 with HCl(conc.). The crude product is collected byfiltration, washed with acetonitrile and air dried to yield the whiteDiCyHexDE-amide intermediate (16 g, 74%). Characterization: ¹ H NMR (d⁵-pyridine) [ppm]: 8.30 (s, 2H, NH amide), 2.60 (m, 4 H. cyhex), 2.25 (q,4 H, ethyl CH₂), 2.15 (m, 4 H, cyhex), 1.8-1.5 (m, 10 H, cyhex), 1.25(m. 2 H, cyhex), 1.20 (t, 6 H, ethyl CH₂). ¹³ C NMR broadband decoupled(d⁵ -pyridine) [ppm]: 178.0, (carboxylic CO), 174.3 (amide CO), 60.5(cyhex quat), 59.4 (malonyl quat), 33.0 (cyhex CH₂), 30.3 (ethyl CH₂)26.0 (cyhex CH₂), 22.3 (cyhex CH₂), 9.9 (ethyl CH₂). IR (nujol/NaCl)[cm⁻¹ ]: 3307 (amide NH); 3150 (sh, br, m, amide NH/carboxylic OH), 3057(s, str, H bonded amide NH/carboxylic OH), 1717 (s, str, carboxylic CO);1621 (s, str, amide CO). Anal. Calcd for C₂₁ H₂₄ N₂ O₆ : C, 61.44; H,8.35; N, 6.82. Found: C, 61.41; H, 8.38; N, 6.90%.

EXAMPLE 7 Di CyHex Diethyl Mono Oxazalone

Failure to quench the Di CyHex Di Ethyl Intermediate Reaction (with heat& water, see above) at a stoichiometry of 1.35 diethyl malonyldichloride; 2 Cy Hex amino acid, leads to a mixture of theDiCyHexDE-amide intermediate and mono oxazalone products. The DiCyHexDEMono Oxazalone product is moderately soluble in boiling cyclohexanewhile the cyclohexyl amide intermediate is not, allowing for a simpleseparation of the product mixture, ca. 10 g of mixed amide intermediateand mono oxazalone containing some residual CH₂ Cl₂ was boiled withvigorous stirring in 400-500 mL cyclohexane. The insolubleDiCyHexDE-amide intermediate product was collected by hot gravityfiltration while the mono oxazalone product crystallized out graduallyas the cyclohexane solution cooled & evaporated. Yield amideintermediate ca. 6 g, yield mono oxazalone ca. 4 g. Characterization ofthe mono oxazalone: ¹ H NMR (d⁵ -pyridine) [ppm]: 9.7 (s, 1 H, amideNH), 2.7-1.6 (unresolved Cy Hex groups), 1.05 (t, 6 H, ethyl CH₂). IR(nujol/NaCl) [cm-l]: 3309 (sh, w, amide NH): 3229 (s, str, H bondedamide NH/carboxylic OH), 3166 (s, str, H bonded amide NH/carboxylic OH),3083 (s, str, H bonded amide NH/carboxylic OH), 1834 (s, str, oxaz C═O),1809 (s, m, H bonded oxaz C═O), 1743 (s, str, carboxylic CO), 1663 (s,str, oxaz C=N), 1639 (s, br, str, amide CO). Anal. Calcd for C₂₂ H₂₂ N₂O₅ -- (C₆ H₁₂)0.25: C, 65.35; H, 8.53; N, 6.77. Found: C, 65.07; H,8.67; N, 6.68%. Presence of solvate cyclohexane was confirmed by ¹³ CNMR.

Macrocyclization Reactions

Examples of several synthetic routes for the preparation of macrocyclictetraamido ligands follow.

Phosphorus Trichloride Coupling

Phosphorus trichloride coupling of the amide-containing intermediate(A-L-A) to aromatic 1,2-diamines yields macrocyclic tetraamides safely,cheaply and in high yield. Two distinct variations of the PCl₃ couplingmethod are useful, the differences relate to the order of addition andchoice of reagents utilized. These methods are applicable to thepreparation of a wide variety of different macrocycles with differentelectronic substituents present on the bridge diamine, or stericsubstituents present on the amide intermediate, primarily because of theparallel incorporation of the macro linker type of amide intermediatesinto all of the syntheses.

EXAMPLE 8 A. Macrocycle Synthesis via PCl₃ Coupling

A long neck flask (250 mL) is charged with the amide intermediate ofExamples 2-7, (10 mmol) a stir bar and then baked in the oven (80-100°C., 30-45 mins). The hot flask is placed under N₂, aryl diamine (10mmol) is added and anhydrous pyridine (50 mL, sure seal) cannulated in.The flask is heated (50-60° C.) and PCl₃ (d =1.574 g/mL, 1.72 mL, 20mmol) syringed in as quickly as possible without excessive refluxing.This is an exothermic reaction, so caution should be used. Thetemperature is then increased to reflux or just below reflux (100-115°C.) and the reaction allowed to proceed under N₂ (48 h). After theacylation is complete, the contents of the flask are acidified with HCl(1 eq., ca. 60 mL) to a final pH 2. The mixture is transferred to anerlenmeyer (water is used to rinse the flask) and stirred with CH₂ Cl₂(300 mL, 2-3 h), then extracted with additional CH₂ Cl₂ (2×150 mL). Thecombined organic layers are washed with dilute HCl (0.1 M, 2×100 mL)followed by dilute aqueous Na₂ CO₃ (2×5 g/100 mL). The organic solventsare removed on the rotary evaporator to yield crude product (30%). Theweight of crude product is usually equivalent to the initial weight ofdiamine.

B. Macrocycle Synthesis via PCl₃ Coupling

A long neck flask (250 mL) is charged with MgSO₄ (5 g), a stir bar, aryldiamine (10 mmol) and pyridine (50 mL, dryed over 4 A mol sieves) thenplaced under N₂. PCl₃ (d=1.754 g/mL, 1.72 mL, 20 mmol) is added viasyringe and the mixture brought to reflux for 30 mins, an orange/yellowprecipitate forms. The mixture is cooled somewhat, an amide intermediate(10 mmol) is added, then the mixture is refluxed under N₂ (115° C., 48h). After the acylation is complete, the contents of the flask areacidified with HCl (1 eq., ca. 60 mL) to a final pH 2. The mixture istransferred to an erlenmeyer and stirred with CH₂ Cl₂ (300 mL, 2-3 h),then extracted with additional CH₂ Cl₂ (2×150 mL). The combined organiclayers are washed with dilute HCl (0.1 M, 2×100 mL) followed by diluteNa₂ CO₃ (2×5 g/100 mL). The organic solvents are removed on the rotaryevaporator to yield crude product (30%). The weight of crude product isusually equivalent to the initial weight of diamine.

Note: For larger scale macrocyclization reactions, the ring closuretimes are increased to 4-5 days at reflux, and most of the pyridinepresent at the end of the reaction is removed via rotary evaporationprior to acidification.

EXAMPLE 9 TMDE-DCB from TMDE Intermediate +DCB Diamine

1,2-Diamino-4,5-dichlorobenzene (1.77 g, 10 mmol) was utilized as thearyl diamine with TMDE amide intermediate (3.3 g, 10 mmol) in the PCl₃method A or B macrocyclization reaction. The crude macrocyclic product(2.7 g) was recrystallized from a minimum amount of hot 95% EtOH byevaporation to yield pure TMDE-DCB (1.5 g, 32%). Characterization: ¹ HNMR (CD₂ Cl₂) [ppm]:7.65 (s, 1 H, ArH, 7.35 (s, 2 H, amide NH), 6.45 (s,2H, amide NH), 1.90 (q, 4 H, ethyl CH₂), 1.57 (s, 12 H, RCH₃), 0.85 (t,6H, ethyl CH₂). IR (nujol/NaCl) [cm⁻¹ ]: 3454 (trace ROH), 3346 (br,amide NH), 1706&1688&1645 (amide CO). Anal.Calcd. for C₂₂ H₂₈ Cl₂ N₄ O₄; C, 53.51; H, 5.99; N, 11.89. Found C, 53.58; H, 6.09; N, 11.89.

EXAMPLE 10 TMDE-B from TMDE Intermediate+B Diamine

1,2-Diaminobenzene (i.e. o-phenylene diamine)(1.08 g, 10 mmol) wasutilized as the aryl diamine with the TMDE amide intermediate (3.3 g, 10mmol) in the PCl₃ method A or B macrocyclization reaction. The crudemacrocyclic product (1.5 g) was recrystallized from a minimum amount ofhot 95% EtOH by evaporation to yield pure TMDE-B (25% from diamine).Characterization: ¹ H NMR (CDCl₃) [ppm]: 7.55 (m, 2 H, ArH), 7.48 (s,br, 2 H, aryl amide NH), 7.17 (m, 2 H, ArH), 6.46 (s, br, 2 H, alkylamide NH), 2.07 (m, br, 4 H, ethyl CH₂), 1.60 (s, 12 H, RCH₃), 0.89 (t,6 H, ethyl CH₂), IR (nujol/NaCl) [cm⁻¹ ]: 3395&3363 (amide NH),1702&1680&1652&1635 (amide CO). Anal. Calcd. for C₂₁ H₂₀ N₄ O₄.H₂ O: C,59.98; H, 7.67; N, 13.32. Found: C, 60.18; H, 7.20; N, 13.18.

EXAMPLE 11 TMDE-DMB from TMDE Intermediate+DMB Diamine

1,2-Diamino-4,5-Dimethylbenzene (1.36 g, 10 mmol) was utilized as thearyl diamine with Tetramethyl Diethyl amide intermediate (3.3 g, 10mmol) in the PCl₃ method A or B macrocyclization reaction. The crudemacrocyclic product (1.6 g) was recrystallized from a minimum amount ofhot 95% EtOH by evaporation to yield pure TMDE-DMB (25% from diamine).Characterization: ¹ H NMR (DMSO d⁶) [ppm]:

8.00 (s, 2H, amide NH), 7.67 (s, 2 H, amide NH), 7.28 (s, 2 H, ArH),2.17 (s, 6 H, aryl CH₃), 1.99 (q, 4 H, ethyl CH₂), 1.46 (s, 12 H, RCH₃),0.75 (t, 6 H, ethyl CH₃). IR (nujol/NaCl) [cm⁻¹ ]: 3446 (s, m, traceROH), 3362 (s, str, amide NH), 3348 (sh, m, amide NH), 3332 (s, str, Hamide NH), 1696 (amide CO), 1679 (amide CO), 1651 (amide CO), 1641(amide CO), 1584 (s, m/w, aryl ring/amide). Anal. Calcd. for C₂₃ H₂₄ N₄O₄ : C. 64.16; H, 7.96; N, 13.01. Found: C, 64.09, 64.28; H, 8.04, 7.92;N, 12.86, 13.04.

EXAMPLE 12 TMDE-DMOB from TMDE Amide Intermediate+DMOB Diamine

1,2-Diamino-4,5-Dimethoxybenzene.2 HBr (5.0 g, 15 mmol) prepared asabove was utilized as the aryl diamine directly with the TetramethylDiethyl amide intermediate (5.0 g, 15 mmol) in a 1.5 scale PCl₃ method Aor B macrocyclization reaction. The crude macrocyclic product (3.57 g)was recrystallized from a minimum amount of hot 80-85% EtOH (1 g/40 mL)by evaporation to yield pure TMDE-DMOB (30% from diamine).Characterization: ¹ H NMR (CD₂ Cl₂) [ppm]: 7.26 (s, 2 H, amide 10 NH),7.01 (s, 2 H, ArH), 6.41 (s, 2 H, amide NH), 3.80 (s, 6H, aryl OCH₃),2.07 (q, br, 4 H, ethyl CH₃), 1.54 (s, 12 H, RCH₃), 0.90 (t, 6 H, ethylCH₃). IR (nujol/NaCl) [cm⁻¹ ]: 3451 (s, m, H bonded H₂ O), 3391&3347(amide NH), 1695&1670&1655 (amide CO). Anal. Calcd. for C₂₃ H₃₄ N₄ O₆,(H₂ O )₀.22 : C, 58.96; H, 7.46; N, 11.96, Found (ESU); C, 58.90; H,7.26; N, 11.76. Presence of solvate H₂ O was confirmed by ¹ H NMR andIR.

EXAMPLE 13 TMDE-Nap from TMDE Intermediate+Nap Diamine

4,5 Diamino Napthalene (1.68 g, 10 mmol) was utilized as the aryldiamine with the Tetramethyl Diethyl amide intermediate (3.3 g, 10 mmol)in the PCl₃ method A or B macrocyclization reaction. Unoptimized yieldwas 15-20% from diamine. ¹ H NMR (CDCl₃) [ppm]: 8.05 (s, 2 H, ArH ring),7.75 (m, 2H, ArH ring), 7.55 (s, 2 H, Ar amide NH), 7.35 (m, 2H, ArHring), 6.45 (s, 2 H, alkyl amide NH), 2.15 (m, br, 4 H, ethyl CH₂), 1.65(s, 12 H, RCH₃), 0.90 (t, 6 H, ethyl CH₂).

EXAMPLE 14 HM-DCB from HM Intermediate+DCB Diamine

1,2-Diamino-4,5-Dichlorobenzene (1.77 g, 10 mmol) was utilized as thediaminc with Hexa Methyl amide intermediate (3.02 g, 10 mmol) in thePCl₃ method A or B macrocyclization reaction. The crude macrocycle (1.33 g, 30%) was recrystallized from a minimum of hot n-propanol byevaporation, 1st crop recrystallization yield was 60%. Characterization:¹ H NMR [ppm]: 7.69 (s, 2 H, ArH), 7.39 (s, 2 H, amide NH), 6.44 (s, 2H, amide NH), 1.58 (s, 12 H, arm methyls), 1.53 (s, 6 H, malonatemethyls), small n-propanol peaks were noted. IR (nujol/NaCl) [cm⁻¹ ]:3503 (s, br, m-w, n-propanol OH, 3381 (sh, m, amide NH), 3338 (s, str,amide NH), 1689 (s, str, amide CO), 1643 (s, str, amide CO). Anal.Calcd. for C₁₇ H₂₄ N₄ O₄ Cl₂. (C₃ H₈ O)₀.2 : C, 51.70; H, 5.57, N 12.30%Found C, 51.69; H, 5.63; N, 12.33%.

EXAMPLE 15 HM-DMOB and HM-B from HM Intermediate +DMOB or B Diamine

The HM intermediate has also been used to synthesize HM-B and HM-DMOBaccording to the same method and with similar results to those obtainedin example 14 for the dichloro derivative. 1 H NMR data for HM-DMOB inCDCl₃ [ppm]: 7.65 (s, 2H, amide NH), 7.21 (s, 2 H, aryl CH), 6.72 (s, 2H, amide NH), 4.00 (s, 6 H, methoxy CH₃), 1.76 (s, 12 H, arm methyls),1.58 (s, 6 H, malonate methyls). ¹ H NMR data for HM-B in d⁵ pyridine[ppm]: 8.55 (s, 2 H, amide NH), 8.40 (s, 2 H, amide NH), 7.81 (m, 2 H,ArH aa'bb'), 7.10 (m, 2 H, ArH aa'bb'), 1.77 (s, 12 H, arm methyls),1.73 (s, 6 H, malonate methyls). The amide peaks tend to shift a fewtenths of a ppm in the presence of impurity species such as water,acids, etc.

EXAMPLE 16 DiCyHexDE-DCB from DiCyHexDE Intermediate+DCB Diamine

1,2-Diamino-4,5-Dichlorobenzene (1.77 g, 10 mmol) was utilized as thearyl diamine with Di Cy Hex Diethyl amide intermediate (3.3 g, 10 mmol)in the PCl₃ method A or B macrocyclization reaction. Due to theincreased steric hindrance an increased ring closure reaction time isrecommended (3-4 days as opposed to the usual 48 h). Cy Hex Oxazalonesformed as a side product during the reaction are not removed by the acidbase workup, so it is necessary to triturate/wash the initially isolatedCH₂ Cl₂ soluble product with pentane to remove the oxazalones.Evaporation of the pentane washes allows for recycling of theoxazalones. The crude pentane insoluble product was recrystallized bydissolving in CH₂ Cl₂ or CHCl₃, adding cyclohexane until slightly cloudyand then evaporating in air (1-2 days) to yield the whitemicrocrystalline DiCyHexDE-DCB product, which was collected byfiltration (1.38 g, 25% from diamine). Recrystallization from hot neattoluene with evaporation also appears promising. Characterization: ¹ HNMR (CDCl₃) [ppm]: 7.70 (s, 2 H, ArH), 7.45 (s, 2 H, amide NH), 6.45 (s,2 H, amide NH), 2.35 (m, br, 4 H, cyhex), 2.00 (m, br, 8 H, cyhex/ethylCH₃), 1.70 (m, br, 8 H, cyhex), 1.30 (m, br, 4 H, cyhex), 0.90 (t, 6 H,ethyl CH₃). Anal. (Dryed at 100° C.) Calcd. for C₂₇ H₃₆ C₁₂ N₄ O₄ (C₆H₁₂)₀.2 : C, 59.60; H, 6.81; N, 9.86, Found: C, 59.60; H, 6.77; N, 9.77.Presence of solvent cyclohexane was confirmed by ¹ H and 13C NMR.

EXAMPLE 17

DiCyHexDE-B from DiCyHexDE Intermediate+B Diamine

1,2-Diaminobenzene (ortho-phenylene diamine, 1.08 g, 10 mmol) wasutilized as the aryl diamine in a preparation analogous to that forDiCyHexDE-DCB, to yield DiCyHexDE-B (1.25 g, 26% from diamine).Characterization: ¹ H NMR (CD₃ CN) [ppm]: 7.62 (s, 2 H, aryl amide NH),7.51 (m, 2 H, ArH), 7.18 (m, 2 H, ArH), 6.71 (s, 2 H, alkyl amide NH),2.12 (m, 6H, Cyhex), 1.85 (q&m, ethyl CH₂ & cyhex), 1.62 (m, cyhex),1.37 (m, cyhex), 0.90 (t, 6 H, ethyl CH₃), 0.85 (m, cyhex). IR(nujol/NaCl) [cm⁻¹ ]: 3750 (s, m, H₂ O), 3385 (s, str, amide NH), 314(s, str, amide NH), 3258 (s, m, br, H bonded amide NH), 1694 (s, str,amide CO), 1651 (s, str, amide CO), 1594 (s, m, aryl ring/amide).

EXAMPLE 18 DiCyHex Diethyl Bis Oxazalone

This product was obtained as a byproduct of the PCl₃ macrocyclizationreaction of DiCyHex Di Ethyl Amide Intermediate with o-phenylenediamine. The bis oxazalone is not removed by the acid base workup (it isa neutral molecule and very organic soluble). Washing of the crudemacrocyclic/oxazalone product with pentane extracts most of the bisoxazalone into the pentane. Air evaporation of the pentane layer yieldsthe pure bis oxazalone as large (1 cm×1 cm×0.5 cm) transparent prisms.

Due to the bulky hydrophobic CyHex groups this oxazalone is much moreresistant to hydrolysis than the corresponding methyl derivative.Characterization of the bis oxazalone: ¹ H NMR (CD₃ CN) [ppm]: 2.05 (q,4 H, ethyl CH₂), 1.8-1.4 (Unresolved Cy Hex Groups), 0.88 (t. t H, ethylCH₃). ¹³ C NMR broadband decoupled (CD₃ CN) [ppm]: 181.0 (oxaz (C═O),162.7 (oxaz C=N), 69.0 (oxaz cyhex quat), 49.0 (malonate quat), 34.3(cyhex methylenes), 25.5 (cyhex methylenes), 24.9 (malonate methylenes),21.8 (cyhex methylenes), 8.3 (ethyl CH₃). IR (nujol/NaCl) [cm:⁻¹ ]: 1822(s, str, br, oxaz C═O), 1662 (s, str, oxaz C═N). Anal. (Dryed at 50C)Calcd. for C₂₀ H₂₀ N₂ O₄ : C. 67.36; H, 8.07; N, 7.48, Found: C, 67.26:H, 8.15: N, 7.64.

Syntheses of Chelate Complexes EXAMPLE 19 [Et₁ N]₂ and [Et₁ N]₃, [thetetraethylammonium salts of iron(III) chloro TMDE-DCB monoanion andiron(III) aquo TMDE-DCB monoanion respectively].

The parent macrocyclic tetraamide of any of Examples 10-18 above (525mg, 1.1 mmol) is dissolved in tetrahydrofuran (40 mL, Aldrich) under N₂.Using schlenk techniques, tert-butyllithium (2.6 mL, 4.4 mmol, 1.7 M in2,4-dimethylpentane, Aldrich) was added to the solution under N₂ at-108° C. Ferrous chloride (anhydrous, 155 mg, 1.2 mmol, Alfa) was thenadded and the solution warmed to room temperature with stirring (16 h),to yield an olive-green precipitate, an air sensitive Fe¹¹ complex. Airwas admitted through a drying tube (2 h), and the orange solid wascollected and washed with CH₂ Cl₂ (2×10 mL). The resulting orange powderwas dried under reduced pressure. Yield: 595 mg (93%). Because ofvariable solvation and limited solubility, the lithium salt wasconverted to the tetraethylammonium salt for further use. The lithiumsalt (595 mg) in CH₃ OH (50 mL) was loaded on an ion exchange column(Dowex® 50×2-100, 25 g, 2 cm×12.5 cm) that had been presaturated with[Et₄ N]⁺ cations, and the orange band was eluted with CH₃ OH (100 mL).The solvent was removed under reduced pressure. The residue wassuspended in CH₂ Cl₂ (20 mL) and the mixture was filtered. The solventwas removed from the mother liquor under reduced pressure giving anorange hygroscopic glassy residue of [Et₄ N]2 that was used withoutfurther purification. IR (Nujol/NaCl, cm⁻¹): 1619 ((CO)amide), 1575((CO)amide), 1534 ((CO)amide). Careful purification of an iron(III)starting material was more conveniently approached by dealing with theaxial aqua monoanionic complex rather than this axial chloro dianioniccomplex. [Et₄ N]2 (550 mg, ca. 0.7 mmol) was dissolved in CH₃ CN (50mL). Silver tetrafluoroborate (140 mg, 0.7 mmol) was dissolved in CH₃ CN(2 mL) and was added to the solution which was stirred (1 h). The AgClprecipitate was filtered off and the solvent removed under reducedpressure. The resulting [Et₄ N]3 was further purified by elution througha silica gel column (8% MeOH in CH₃ Cl₂). The solvent was removed underreduced pressure and the product was recrystallized from H₂ O. Yield:360 mg (77% variable salvation with water was found in differentmicrocrystalline samples). IR (Nujol/NaCl, cm⁻¹): 1590 ((CO)amide), 1565((CO)amide), 1535 ((CO)amide). Anal. Calcd for C₂₉ H₄₆ N₅ FeO₅ Cl₂. (H₂O): C, 50.52; H, 7.02; N, 10.16.: Cl, 10.28. Found: C, 50.24; H, 6.84;N, 9.82; Cl, 10.32. ESIMS (negative ion): m/z 522.2, [3--H₂ O ]¹⁻(100%); m/z 269.7, [3--H⁺ ]²⁻ (18%).

EXAMPLE 20 [Et₄ N]4, [the tetraethylammonium salt of iron(IV) chloroTMDE-DCB monoanion].

[Et₄ N]2 (500 mg, ca. 0.6 mmol) was dissolved in CH₂ Cl₂ (30 mL).Ammonium cerium(IV) nitrate (10.3 g, 18.3 mmol) was added to thesolution and the mixture was stirred (2 h). The solid cerium salts wereremoved by filtration. The purple product was obtained by removing thesolvent under reduced pressure and drying under vacuum. Yield: 400 mg(95%). Purple crystals were obtained by recrystallization from CH₂Cl_(2/) Et₂ O. IR (Nujol/NaCl, cm⁻¹): 1688 ((CO)amide), 1611((CO)amide), 1582 ((CO)amide). ESIMS (negative ion): m/z 557,[4]⁻¹(100%); m/z 522, [4- Cl]¹⁻ (65%).

EXAMPLE 21 Synthesis of [Ph₄ P]5 [the tetraphenylphosphonium salt ofiron(IV) cyano TMDE-DCB monoanion] from [Et₄ N]4 [the tetraethylammoniumsalt of iron(IV) chloro TMDE-DCB monoanion] and NaCN.

[Et₄ N]4 [the tetraethylammonium salt of iron(IV) chloro TMDE-DCBmonoanion] (225 mg, 0.33 mmol) was suspended in H₂ O (10 mL). Sodiumcyanide (140 mg, 2.85 mmol) was dissolved in H₂ O (10 mL) and added tothe suspension and the mixture was sonicated (Branson 1200, 0.5 h). Thepurple suspension changed to a deep blue solution and nearly all thesolid material dissolved. The mixture was filtered and the blue productwas precipitated by adding PPh₄ Cl [tetraphenylphosphonium chloride]dissolved in water (600 mg, 1.6 mmol, 10 mL, Aldrich). The blueprecipitate was collected and washed with H₂ O (2×10 mL). Yield: 250 mg(0.28 mmole, 85%). This material (120 mg) was further purified by thinlayer chromatography (TLC) (Silica gel plate, GF, 20 cm×20 cm×1000 m,10:1 CH₂ Cl₂ :CH₃ CN). The blue material was extracted from the silicagel with CH₃ CN:CH₂ Cl₂ (1:1, 60 mL). The solvent was removed underreduced pressure and the residue was dissolved in CH₂ Cl₂ (3 mL) andfiltered. Addition of pentane (150 mL) gave a blue powder (90 mg, 0.10mmol) Yield on purification: 75%. IR (Nujol/NaCl, cm⁻¹): 2129 ((CN)),1659 ((CO)amide), 1598 ((CO)amide), 1571 ((CO)amide). Anal. Calcd for:C₄₆ H₄₄ N₅ FeOCl₂ P: C, 62.18; H, 4.99; N, 7.88; Cl, 7.98. Found: C,61.96; H, 5.04; N, 7.84; Cl, 8.06. ESIMS (negative ion): m/z 548.2,[5]¹⁻ (100%); m/z 522.1, [5-CN]¹⁻ (20%). For ¹³ C-labeled cyanide: m/z549.2, [5]¹⁻ (100%); m/z 522.1, [5- ¹³ CN]¹⁻ (8%).

EXAMPLE 22 The Synthesis of [Ph₄ P]5 [the tetraphenylphosphonium salt ofiron(IV) cyano TMDE-DCB monoanion] from Nitrile Cyanide Sources.

[Ph₄ P]5 [the tetraphenylphosphonium salt of iron(IV) cyano TMDE-DCBmonoanion] can be formed in the presence or absence of base. In theabsence of base, the blue color fades to yellow-orange as the solvent isremoved in the workup procedures. Therefore, product isolation to obtainthe blue solid is best carried out in the presence of added base at a pHrange of 9-10. The following reaction yields 5 with each of CH₃ CN, CD₃CN, CH₃ CH₂ CN and (CH₃)₂ CHCN as the solvent substrates. Base was notadded to the catalytic reactions described. It was determined that theblue compound is an effective catalyst precursor by adding isolated [Ph₄P]5 to an acetonitrile solution of TBHP (tertiary butyl hydroperoxide),both the solvent and oxidant were consumed indicating that although [Ph₄P]5 is formed as an end product of the catalytic oxidation process it isnot a deactivated form of the catalyst.

EXAMPLE 23

The Synthesis of [Ph₁ P]5 in the Presence of Base.

[Et₄ N]3 (160 mg, 0.23 mmol) was dissolved in the chosen nitrile solvent(6 mL). Tetraethylammonium hydroxide base was added (20 wt %, 0.370 mL,0.52 mmol, Aldrich), then t-butyl hydroperoxide (90%, 0.605 mL, 5.4mmol, Aldrich) was added dropwise with stirring (20 min) resulting in ablue solution. The remaining nitrile was removed under reduced pressure,leaving an oily blue residue which was dissolved in H₂ O (15 mL) andfiltered. The blue material was precipitated from the filtrate byaddition of an aqueous solution of PPh₄ Cl(800 mg, 2.1 mmol, Aldrich, 10mL). The blue precipitate was collected and washed with H₂ O (2×10 mL).Yield: 130 mg, 0.15 mmol (65%). Further purification was carried out asdescribed in the [Ph₄ P]5 section.

EXAMPLE 24 X-ray Crystal Structure Data and Refinement for [Et₄ N]3 H₂O.

C₂₉ H₄₈ Cl₂ FeN₅ O₆, M=689.47, Triclinic, Space group P-1, α=9.899(2);b=11.771(2); c=14.991(4)Å, =95.33(2); =100.09(2); =92.31(2)°,V=1709.6(6)Å³, D_(obs) =1.33 g cm³, D_(calcd) (Z=2)=1.339 g cm⁻³, T=293K,=0.71069 Å, =0.64 mm⁻¹, trans coeff. 0.87-1.00. Diffraction data werecollected at room temperature on an Enraff-Nonius CAD-4 diffractometerusing graphite monochromated Mo-K radiation. Three reflections weremonitored throughout data collection, only random fluctuations inintensity being observed. The structure was solved by direct methods.Hydrogen atoms bonded to the carbon were included in calculatedpositions with C/H bond distance of 0.96 Å and were refined using ariding model with a thermal parameter 20% greater than the parentcarbon. Hydrogen atoms of the water molecule were located from electrondensity difference maps and their coordinates allowed to refine with thethermal parameter fixed at 20% greater than that of the oxygen.Refinement was by full-matrix least squares on F² with scatteringfactors taken from the International Tables. All non-hydrogen atoms wererefined with anisotropic thermal parameters. The final difference mapswere featureless. Refinement converged to R=0.053, wR2=0.112 withweights 1.0/[² (F∘²)+{0.0652(F∘² +2F∘²)/3}² ] for 2262 observedreflections.

EXAMPLE 25 X-ray Crystal Structure Data and Refinement for [Et₄ N]4.

Single crystals of [Et₄ N]4. at 20±1 C are monoclinic, space group P2₁/c-C⁵ _(2h) (No. 14) with α=9.958(2) Å, b=14.956(3)Å, c=22.688(5)Å,=90.00, =93.83(2),=90.00, V=3372(1)Å³, and Z=4 (d_(calcd) =1.357 g cm⁻³: ₂ (CuK)=6.17 mm⁻¹). A total of 4626 independent absorption-correctedreflections having 2(CuK) <115.0 were collected using -2 scans andNi-filtered CuK radiation. The structure was solved using "DirectMethods" techniques with the Nicolet SHELXTL software package asmodified at Crystalytics Company. The resulting structural parametershave been confined to a convergence of R₁ (unweighted, based on F)=0.037for 2680 independent reflections having 2(CuK) <115.0 and I>3(I). Theten methyl groups were refined as rigid rotors with sp³ -hybridizedgeometry and a C--H bond length of 0.96 Å. The initial orientation ofeach methyl group was determined from difference Fourier positions forthe hydrogen atoms. The final orientation of each methyl group wasdetermined by three rotational parameters. The refined positions for therigid rotor methyl groups have C--C--H angles which ranged from 103-118.The remaining hydrogen atoms were included in the structure factorcalculations as idealized atoms (assuming sp² - or sp³ -hybridization ofthe carbon atoms and a C--H bond length of 0.96 Å) riding on theirrespective carbon atoms. The isotropic thermal parameter of eachhydrogen atom was fixed at 1.2 times the equivalent isotropic thermalparameter of the carbon to which it is covalently bonded.

EXAMPLE 26 Sustained Catalyst Stability

With reference to FIG. 3, the catalytic longevity of two embodiments ofthe invention were compared. Compound 1 had substituents R' and R" eachas CH₃, while Compound 2 had substitutes R' and R" each as --CH₂ CH₃.The control was no catalyst added.

The conditions were pH 9, room temperature (21.1° C.), with a buffersystem of NaHCO₃ /Na₂ CO₃. Oxidant was 4 mM(30%) H₂ O₂. At each of theasterisks, 12 μM pinacyanol chloride dye was added,

As can be seen from the graph, each addition of dye where Compound 1 waspresent resulted in almost immediate decolorization. Compound 2, thediethyl compound, had more gradual decolorization. The control showedonly a very gradual rate of decolorization.

From the foregoing, it can be seen that the inventive compounds, andespecially Compound 1, are effective in oxidizing and decolorizingextraneous or free flowing dyes released from colored fabrics which arewashed in a wash liquor. Thus, the inventive macrocyclic tetraamidocompounds provide a unique benefit to an oxidant system, namely dyescavenging, thus preventing the transfer of extraneous and thus,unwanted dyes from one fabric to another in the wash liquor.

Examples 27-30 are further examples of the unique dye transferinhibition properties of the inventive macrocyclic tetraamido ligands.In examples 27-28, spectra and absorbance-time curves were recorded on aShimadzu spectrophotometer. The samples were scanned over the wavelength(λ) range 350 to 700 nm prior to the addition of peroxide or catalyst todetermine wavelength for the dye's maximum absorbance. Thespectrophotometer was then set to peak wavelength and the peroxideand/or catalyst were added. Changes in the peak absorbance after 2minutes were reported.

Acid Blue 25 was monitored at 600 nm. The samples were performed at 25°C. in a 1 cm cuvette containing 2 ml solution.

EXAMPLE 27 Bleaching of Acid Blue 25 in Solution

To a solution of Acid Blue 25 [120 mg/l (dye content 45%), initialabsorbance at 600 nm was 1.2] was added: (a) 20 ppm A.O. H₂ O₂ ; (b) 20ppm A.O. H₂ O₂ +1 ppm of the inventive compound wherein Z and Y are eachhydrogen (hereafter "FeB"); and (c) 20 ppm A.O. H₂ O₂ +1 ppm of theinventive compound wherein Z and Y are each chloro (hereafter "FeDCB").As shown below, only systems containing catalysts gave any bleachingeffect of the dye (monitored as observed change in absorbance at 600 nmin two minutes). As a further comparison, the absorbance loss caused bysodium hypochlorite (5.25% solution, added at 20 ppm Av-Cl₂). Theresults are tabulated below:

    ______________________________________                                        Bleaching System  Absorbance Loss after 2 min.                                ______________________________________                                        20 ppm H.sub.2 O.sub.2                                                                          0                                                           20 ppm H.sub.2 O.sub.2 + 1 ppm FeB                                                              1.15                                                        20 ppm H.sub.2 O.sub.2 + 1 ppm FeDCB                                                            1.15                                                        20 ppm Av. Cl.sub.2 NaOCl                                                                       0                                                           ______________________________________                                    

A large absorbance loss means more dye has been decolorized. Theforegoing data demonstrates that when the inventive catalysts are used,there is efficient dye transfer inhibition. As compared with the amountof dye added (1.2 initial absorbance), the loss of dye is greater than90% (1.15 .1.2×100% =95.83%).

EXAMPLE 28 Bleaching of Acid Orange 8 in Solution

Experiments were performed as in Example 27, above, except that asolution of Acid Orange 8 (210 mg/L (dye content 65%), initialabsorbance at 490 nm was 1.2). Bleaching was measured as change inabsorbance at 490 nm.

    ______________________________________                                        Bleaching System  Absorbance Loss after 2 min.                                ______________________________________                                        220 ppm H.sub.2 O.sub.2                                                                         0                                                           20 ppm H.sub.2 O.sub.2 + 1 ppm FeB                                                              1.15                                                        20 ppm H.sub.2 O.sub.2 + 1 ppm FeDCB                                                            1.15                                                        20 ppm Av. Cl.sub.2 NaOCl                                                                       0.17                                                        ______________________________________                                    

Once again, as compared with the amount of dye added (1.2 initialabsorbance), the loss of dye is greater than 90% (1.15÷1.2×100%=95.83%). As compared with the amount of dye added (1.2 initialabsorbance), the loss of dye is greater than 90% (1.15÷1.2×100%=95.83%). The dye transfer (AE) was calculated again, in accordance withthe procedures set forth in the co-pending application Ser. No. 08/396,853, filed Mar. 1, 1995, of Johnson et al., entitled "LAUNDRY ARTICLEFOR PREVENTING DYE CARRY-OVER AND INDICATOR THEREFOR." ΔE averages thereflectance changes of an item of fabric prior to and after washingaccording to the equation set forth therein. An increase in thecalculated value of ΔE for a target fabric washed in the presence of adye source as compared to a target fabric prior to washing indicatesthat the target fabric has absorbed the dye. All dyes are from AldrichChemicals.

In Examples 29 and 30 below, the following conditions were used: 0.95 gof Ultra Tide® laundry detergent (Procter & Gamble) was added to aTerg-O-Tometer bucket with 1.5 liter of warm water, and two 8×8 inchcotton target fabric (large swatch), and, a fabric that released dye tosolution. The purpose of the target fabric was to serve as a dyereceptor for any extraneous dye which was not decolorized or oxidized.Samples were agitated for 12 minutes after the addition of the dyescavenging system (H₂ O₂ and catalyst) using a Terg-O-Tometer followedby a two minute ambient temperature water rinse, and 20 minutes ofdrying in an automatic dryer.

EXAMPLE 29 Dye transfer from Textile to Textile Using Direct Red 79

In order to demonstrate that the effects seen in the above solutionexperiments (Examples 27-28) were reflected on textiles present in suchsolutions, experiments were carried out in which clean cotton swatcheswere immersed in a model wash liquor containing a fabric that released0.1 g. of Direct Red 79 dye to solution. The amount of dye absorbed bythe target fabric was determined by calculated ΔE. The dye transferinhibition performance was compared against polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP),a standard dye transfer inhibitor. In the data then, smaller scores arebetter.

    ______________________________________                                        Dye Scavenging System                                                                            Delta E Signal                                             ______________________________________                                        none               8.6                                                        18 ppm H.sub.2 O.sub.2                                                                           10.5                                                       21 ppm PVP         4.2                                                        18 ppm H.sub.2 O.sub.2 + 1 ppm FeB                                                               2.4                                                        18 ppm H.sub.2 O.sub.2 + 1 ppm FeDCB                                                             2                                                          ______________________________________                                    

The foregoing data demonstrate that not only do the inventivemacrocyclic tetraamido compounds possess superior dye transferinhibitory performance, but are measurably better than polyvinylpyrrolidone, a known and effective DTI compound.

EXAMPLE 30 Dye transfer from Textile to Textile Using Acid Red 151

Experiments were performed according to Example 29 only using a releasefabric that released 0.1 g of Acid Red 151.

    ______________________________________                                        Dye Scavenging System                                                                            Delta E Signal                                             ______________________________________                                        none               26.3                                                       13 ppm H.sub.2 O.sub.2                                                                           32.6                                                       21 ppm PVP         30.7                                                       18 ppm H.sub.2 O.sub.2 + 1 ppm FeB                                                               2.5                                                        18 ppm H.sub.2 O.sub.2 + 1 ppm FeDCB                                                             2.8                                                        ______________________________________                                    

In the next example, the performance of FeDCB on mustard and a naturallyoccurring clay soil were compared against a system containing H₂ O₂only. The performance on mustard, which is a cationically charged stain,demonstrates the stain specific superior performance of the inventivecompounds.

EXAMPLE 31 Stain Removal of Mustard and Soil

This example demonstrates stain removal under simulated householdlaundry wash conditions. Fabrics stained with mustard or naturallyoccurring clay soil were washed with 2 g of All(g liquid laundrydetergent and an oxidant system (either H₂ O₂ or H₂ O₂ and the inventivecatalyst FeDCB). Wash conditions were medium water level in warm water,cold water rinse, using a Terg-O-Tometer. Stain removal was measured andcalculated using % soil removal (%SRE). Thus, higher scores arepreferred.

    ______________________________________                                        Oxidant System    Mustard Clay Soil                                           ______________________________________                                        18 ppm H.sub.2 O.sub.2                                                                          63.6    56.3                                                18 ppm H.sub.2 O.sub.2 + 0.5 ppm                                                                71.5    59.8                                                FeDCB                                                                         ______________________________________                                    

In the next example, the anti-redeposition performance of the inventivecompounds was compared against a control (no activator compound) and acommercially available organic bleach activator,tetraacetylethylenediamine (TAED).

EXAMPLE 32 Anti-Redeposition Comparison Study

    ______________________________________                                               System Redeposition                                                    ______________________________________                                               Control                                                                              0                                                                      Control &                                                                            1.3                                                                    FeDCB                                                                         Control &                                                                            0.7                                                                    TAED                                                                   ______________________________________                                    

The redeposition of soil is a measurement of the fabric using theStensby Whiteness Calculation following the washing process. This studyindicates that stray dyes are being destroyed in the aqueous washliquor, preventing redeposition on fabrics; and that the invention'sperformance is superior versus TAED, a commercially available activator.

What is claimed is:
 1. In a method for inhibiting the absorption andadsorption of any absorbable or adsorbable species onto an absorbent oradsorbent substrate by exposing the species and the substrate to ableaching agent, the improvement comprising:exposing the species and thesubstrate to an aqueous solution comprised of: (1) an oxidatively stablebleach activator having the structure ##STR8## wherein Y₁, Y₃, and Y₄each represent a bridging group having, zero, one, two or three carboncontaining nodes for substitution, and Y₂ is a bridging group having atleast one carbon containing node for substitution, each said nodecontaining a C(R), or a C(R )2 unit and each R substituent being thesame or different from the remaining R substituents and being selectedfrom the group consisting of methyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, alkenyl,aryl, alkynyl, alkylaryl, halogen, alkoxy, or phenoxy, CH₂ CF₃, CF₃ andcombinations thereof, or form a substituted or unsubstituted benzenering of which two carbon atoms in the ring form nodes in the Y unit, ortogether with a paired R substituent bound to the same carbon atom forma cycloalkyl or cycloalkenyl ring, which may include an atom other thancarbon; M is a transition metal with oxidation states of I, II, III, IV,V or VI, or selected from the Groups 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 of thePeriodic Table; Q is any counterion which would balance the charge ofthe compound on a stoichiometric basis; L is any labile ligand; and, (2)an amount of a source of an oxidizing compound effective for inhibitingthe absorption and adsorption the adsorbable or adsorbable species ontothe substrate, wherein the adsorbable or adsorbable species is oxidizedin the solution at a rate sufficient to inhibit the adsorption andabsorption thereof onto the substrate.
 2. The improvement recited inclaim 1 wherein the solution further comprises a solvent.
 3. Theimprovement recited in claim 1 wherein M is Fe or Mn.
 4. The improvementrecited in claims 1 wherein Y₂ is a substituted or unsubstituted benzenering having halogen, alkyl or alkoxy substituents thereon.
 5. Theimprovement recited in claim 1 wherein Y₃ and Y₄ are each zero.
 6. Theimprovement recited in claim 1 wherein Y₁ is one carbon containing nodeC(R)₂ and R is methyl.
 7. The improvement recited in claim 1 wherein theoxidizing compound is a peroxy compound.
 8. The improvement recited inclaim 7 wherein said peroxy compound is selected from the groupconsisting of hydrogen peroxide, hydrogen peroxide adducts, compoundscapable of producing hydrogen peroxide in aqueous solution, organicperoxides, persulfates, perphosphates, and persilicates.
 9. A method forbleaching a surface or fabrics comprising: contacting the surface orfabrics with an aqueous solution comprised of:(1) an oxidatively stablebleach activator having the structure ##STR9## wherein Y₁, Y₃, and Y₄each represent a bridging group having, zero, one, two or three carboncontaining nodes for substitution, and Y₂ is a bridging group having atleast one carbon containing node for substitution, each said nodecontaining a C(R), or a C(R)₂ unit and each R substituent being the sameor different from the remaining R substituents and being selected fromthe group consisting of methyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, alkenyl, aryl,alkynyl, alkylaryl, halogen, alkoxy, or phenoxy, CH₂ CF₃, CF₃ andcombinations thereof, or form a substituted or unsubstituted benzenering of which two carbon atoms in the ring form nodes in the Y unit, ortogether with a paired R substituent bound to the same carbon atom forma cycloalkyl or cycloalkenyl ring, which may include an atom other thancarbon; M is a transition metal with oxidation states of I, II, III, IV,V or VI, or selected from the Groups 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 of thePeriodic Table; Q is any counterion which would balance the charge ofthe compound on a stoichiometric basis; L is any labile ligand; and, (2)an amount of a source of an oxidizing compound effective for bleaching.10. The method recited in claim 9 wherein the solution further comprisesa solvent.
 11. The method recited in claim 9 wherein M is Fe or Mn. 12.The method recited in claim 9 wherein Y₂ is a substituted orunsubstituted benzene ring having halogen, alkyl or alkoxy substituentsthereon.
 13. The method recited in claim 9 wherein Y₃ and Y₄ are eachzero.
 14. The method recited in claim 9 wherein Y₁ is one carboncontaining node C(R)₂ and R it methyl.
 15. The method recited in claim 9wherein the oxidizing compound is a peroxy compound.
 16. The methodrecited in claim 15 wherein said peroxy compound is selected from thegroup consisting of hydrogen peroxide, hydrogen peroxide adducts,compounds capable of producing hydrogen peroxide in aqueous solution,organic peroxides, persulfates, perphosphates, and persilicates.